From the support of Jasprit Bumrah to the face of Team India's pace bowling attack. The match at The Oval suddenly turned Mohammed Siraj as the savior of the team. India's incredible fight back with the help of Siraj will remain in the minds of cricket fans for the upcoming years. Former England international Moeen Ali explained why and how Siraj became the 'outstanding' bowler for the men in the Blue Brigade.

Emphasizing Hyderabad born's hardwork, and love for the sport, the former cricketer said during his recent visit to the London office of GFS Developments. "Siraj has been outstanding in the England series. The energy, aggression, and consistency he brings with the ball are world-class. He's matured into a genuine match-winner for India, and it's always a challenge for batters facing him." 

"What impresses me the most is his ability to control the ball. He's got a big heart and never backs down—that's what makes him so special. Credit to him for the impact he's making," he further added. 

Read More: Yash Dayal to miss T20 league due to recent allegations of sexual harrashment

Effortless bowling and no nonsense approach 

The right-handed was the only pacer who played all of the 5 matches in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, while other fast bowlers of the squad dropped from multiple matches for various reasons. The 31-year-old pacer bowled a whopping 185.3 overs across nine innings in the series, which proved why he is considered the tireless bowler of the cricketing world. He not only played but also delivered at his best. In those nine innings, the seamer bagged 23 wickets in total and emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the 5-match Test series.

In the fifth and last match of the tour, during the series decider, Siraj secured his match-best haul of 9/190 at The Oval, 4/86 in the first innings of 16.2 overs and 5/104 in 30.1 overs in the second innings of the match where India won and made the scoreline 2-2 with the host, England. 

English cricketer Moeen Ali, who served for the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru) for three seasons, recently revealed that the former RCB skipper Virat Kohli was almost removed from the captaincy role in the 2019 season.

Virat Kohli-led RCB played one IPL Final

Despite not winning any title, former Indian captain Virat Kohli was one of the most popular captains in the Indian Premier League. He is the only RCB captain to lead the team in 50+ matches, as he led the IPL franchise in 143 T20 matches between 2011 and 2023. Under his leadership, RCB played one IPL final in 2016, where they lost against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Although Kohli temporarily led RCB in three matches during IPL 2023, he originally led the franchise actively in the 2021 season. Before the IPL 2022, he stepped down from the leadership role citing workload management. However, the former RCB cricketer Moeen Ali, who played 19 IPL matches for RCB between 2018 and 2020, revealed that Kohli was almost dropped from the leadership role after choosing an alternative.   

See Also: Gill rates Manchester ton as his best, credits KL Rahul for sparking belief

Parthiv was in line to become captain: Moeen Ali

After finishing as the runners-up in the IPL 2016, Kohli-led RCB failed to reach the playoffs in the next three seasons (2017, 2018, and 2019), including finishing as the last placed team in the 2017 and 2019 editions. However, Kohli-led RCB has shown impressive improvement since the 2020 edition, where they reached the Eliminator. But Kohli's captaincy would be almost over earlier, as Parthiv Patel was in line for the next RCB captain.  

Moeen Ali told SportsTak, "Yes, I think he was. I'm quite sure he was. In the final year, when Gary Kirsten was there-after the first year, I believe-Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain. That was the talk at the time. I don't know what happened or why it didn't materialise, but I'm sure he was seriously considered for the role."

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel played 32 T20 matches for RCB, including serving the team for two consecutive seasons in the IPL 2018 and 2019. This name may be shocking for some people, but he was one of the popular captains in Indian domestic cricket. Under his leadership, Gujarat won its first Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

During a recent interview with SportsTak, former England and RCB all-rounder Moeen Ali shared an interesting revelation about Royal Challengers Bengaluru's leadership plans back in 2019. Moeen mentioned that under the head coach, Gary Kirsten, the team had strongly considered appointing Parthiv Patel as captain. According to him, the decision came very close to being finalised, which would have marked a significant change in direction for the franchise. This insight has sparked renewed discussion about the leadership dynamics within RCB during that particular phase of their journey.

Moeen was with the Bengaluru-based team from 2019 to 2020, before he moved to Chennai Super Kings, where he found greater success. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, served as RCB’s full-time captain from 2013 after succeeding Daniel Vettori, though he had led in a few matches earlier. He remained in charge until 2021, stepping down due to workload concerns. Despite never winning the title, Kohli is still remembered as one of RCB's most influential and longest-serving leaders.

See Also: ENG vs IND 2025: Ravindra Jadeja celebrates hard-fought draw by kissing Manchester pitch

"Yes, I think he was. I'm quite sure he was. In the final year, when Gary Kirsten was there-after the first year, I believe-Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain. That was the talk at the time. I don't know what happened or why it didn't materialise, but I'm sure he was seriously considered for the role," Moeen said when asked whether Parthiv Patel had been considered for the RCB captaincy.

Virat Kohli had an underpar 2017 season

After guiding RCB to the final in 2016, Virat Kohli found it difficult to recreate that level of success in the following seasons. The team missed out on the playoffs for three straight years, finishing at the bottom of the table in both 2017 and 2019, and placing sixth in 2018. Despite Kohli's consistency with the bat, his captaincy drew criticism due to repeated poor finishes. However, a turnaround came in 2020 as RCB reached the playoffs, with Kohli's partnership with head coach Simon Katich showing signs of progress and stability.

Following Kohli's decision to step down as captain after the 2021 season, Faf du Plessis took over leadership duties, bringing greater consistency to the side. In 2025, RCB’s long-awaited IPL title finally came under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy. Kohli remained a key figure, scoring 657 runs in 15 matches and mentoring Rajat throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, Parthiv Patel, who last played in 2019, transitioned into a mentorship role with Gujarat Titans, where he made an immediate impact.

World Championship of Legends 2025 will kick off with the hosts, England Champions, taking on Pakistan Champions. We had a competitive season last year and hope to repeat it.

The England Champions will look for a good start this year after struggling in the last season with the bat and the ball. Pakistan Champions had a good season, and the side will look to make a strong impact in their first game.

EDC vs PNC Match Details

Date: July 18th, 2025

Time: 9:00 PM IST

Venue: Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham

Live Streaming: Fancode  

EDC vs PNC Weather Report

Clear weather

Also Read: ECS T10 Germany 2025: VG vs BBS Prediction– Qualifier 1, Who will win today?

Top Batters EDC vs PNC

• Kamran Akmal (PNC) - 172 runs in this tournament (Last 5 T20)

• Eoin Morgan (EDC) - 146 runs in this tournament

• Phil Mustard (EDC) - 106 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowler EDC vs PNC

• Smit Patel (EDC) - 4 wickets in this tournament 

• Wahab Riaz (PNC) - 6 wickets in this tournament

• Moeen Ali (PNC) - 3 wickets in this tournament

EDC vs PNC Recent Performance

EDC vs PNC Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If PNC bats first

• First Innings score prediction- PNC is expected to score 155-165 runs

• Result prediction- EDC will win the match by 6 Wickets.

Scenario 2- If EDC bats first

• First Innings score prediction- EDC is expected to score 180-190 runs.

• Result prediction- EDC will win the match by 35-40 Runs

EDC vs PNC Predicted Playing XI

England Champions (EDC) Playing XI 

Eoin Morgan (c), Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, Phil Mustard (wk), Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Ian Bell, Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Ryan Sidebottom.

Pakistan Champions (PNC) Playing XI

Shahid Afridi (c), Kamran Akmal (wk), Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Misbah-ul-Haq, Aamer Yamin

EDC vs PNC Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

England Champions To win

We predict that England Champions will be winning this WCL 2025 match. The likes of Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan and Moeen Ali will be key players to watch out for.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over the lack of conversation regarding Mohammed Siraj's workload, especially with discussions surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and rotation continuing to dominate headlines. Before the fourth Test against England, Chopra had said that while the BCCI had indicated that Bumrah would not be featuring in all matches, Siraj's efforts and match-time endurance have gone largely unnoticed.

“He works very hard. He bowls a lot of overs. Interestingly enough, no one is talking about him, and you feel it's not fair that you talk about everyone but not about him. However, he gives his 100 percent. Whenever he comes to bowl, he bowls wholeheartedly and runs in fast,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel, highlighting Siraj's consistent commitment and energy levels despite the demanding workload.

Chopra's comments express a larger feeling that bowlers like Siraj, who don't benefit from the same media spotlight as other bowlers, often go under the radar despite their impact in long Test series.

Moeen Ali draws Kohli comparison for Gill's fiery attitude

Meanwhile, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali drew comparisons between Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, particularly in terms of on-field aggression and competitive spirit. Moeen believes Gill’s demeanor at Lord’s had echoes of Kohli’s iconic celebration at Edgbaston back in 2018, and while such behavior is part of the game, it may have sparked a stronger reaction from the hosts.

See Also: 'Expectancy is Tendulkar-Kohli Level'– Daniel Peacock hails India U19 star player, a fan favourite in England

“My take is, it's fine. I think he's just trying to be competitive in front of a fight, and very similar to Virat, I think it's fine,” Moeen said. “But then, obviously, the other team, what you've done is, I think you've actually brought out the best of England and the fight and that beast England can be. And I think it's a different side of England. They've shown all the players that it's great for the series to win. I don't know why it's getting criticized,” he added during an interaction on Wednesday while playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the GSL.

Former England players Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were recently on opposite sides of a lighthearted but intense discussion on who the best ODI batter of all time is: Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli?

The debate played out on their podcast, Beard Before Wicket, where the pair were asked to select a single batter to open in ODIs from three all-time greats: Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara.

Adil Rashid wasn't afraid to choose Kohli. Moeen, however, played the diplomat at first. "They all average 50," he reminded us, implying the argument was too evenly balanced. But Rashid had prepared some statistics and pressure.

"If you contrast the two, who's won more games, who's scored more hundreds in ODI cricket Virat. Who's won more games when chasing Virat. Who's that match-winner in that regard?" Rashid asked. Ultimately, Moeen was convinced by his team's reasoning, concluding, "I think you have to start with Virat, Rashid's right." 

Kohli's Dominance in ODIs

It’s hard to argue against Kohli’s one-day numbers. Since making his debut in 2008, the Indian maestro has rewritten the record books in the format. In 302 matches, he has scored 14,181 runs at an astonishing average of 57.88, including 51 centuries, the most in ODI history, overtaking even Tendulkar's 49.

Kohli's ability to chase is what puts him in a class of his own. 28 out of his 51 hundreds have been in winning run chases, a record that speaks volumes about his ability to deliver in pressure situations. With a strike rate of 93.24 and an average of 64.50, he has scored more than 8000 runs while chasing in ODIs.

ALSO SEE: 'I am thankful to God...' - Hasin Jahan's huge comment on Mohammed Shami's alimony

Watch the video:

Adil Rashid cooking Moeen Ali and Nostalgia merchants 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/l7Zg99IWC0

— Vivek (@hailKohli18) July 3, 2025

Keeping Delivering on the Big Stage

In the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India went on to win, Kohli played his last game of ODI cricket. With 218 runs at 54.50 from five games, he was the most crucial player of the tournament. His highlight was an unbeaten century in a pressure chase against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Although the Rashid-Moeen argument was frivolous, it is a part of a broader generational debate in cricket. Kohli's figures, influence in chases, and consistency are enough to drive a point for his supremacy in contemporary times, though Tendulkar remains an immortal of the sport.

England all-rounder Moeen Ali ranked in the top 10 ODI batters in the world. Needless to say, the list is full of star cricketers. It was a blindfold video, so Ali had no clue which name to mention to be ranked. Interestingly, Virat Kohli's name was not mentioned even once in the video. So, the list of top 10 ODI batsmen in the world Moeen Ali named was without Virat Kohli, which is definitely shocking for cricket lovers.

The video started with mentioning former Australia international David Warner's name. Ali put the opener in number 4 and then put South Africa's former Hashim Amla in the number 3 spot. Then he put Quinton De Kock and Kevin Pietersen at 6 and 5, respectively. Thus, AB de Villiers is placed at number 1 and Rohit Sharma at 2. 

Top 10 ODI batters through a blindfold test: 

1. AB de Villiers 

2. Rohit Sharma 

3. Hashim Amla 

4. David Warner 

5. Kevin Pietersen

6. Quinton De Kock

7. Chris Gayle

8. MS Dhoni 

9. Babar Azam 

10. Kumar Sangakkara

Read More: Jay Shah's latest incredible achievement makes Indian cricket proud

It was a blindfold test, so Ali perhaps had no clue which name was going to pop up and when. The game is mostly dependent on assumptions and ball knowledge. A blindfold test and someone's dream team can be different. It was not a dream ODI team picked by Moeen Ali. 

Picking an all-time ODI XI will be a very difficult task for anyone to do. Over the years every cricket-playing nation has gottenheroes in the game. India has multiple legends, the same for Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and other top countries in the ICC's list. 

Watch the video here 

Blud didn’t include his bunny Virat Kohli, in the top 10 ODI batters.😭🔥

pic.twitter.com/PTWU24kSxw

— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) June 30, 2025

Cricketing icons including Eoin Morgan, Sir Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, and Ian Bell will headline the England Champions squad in the second edition of the sanctioned World Championship of Legends (WCL), running from July 18 to August 2 across the UK. This powerhouse lineup revives a golden era of English cricket, bolstered by the return of versatile all-rounders Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, as well as a formidable pace attack led by Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shahzad, Ryan Sidebottom, and Stuart Meaker, complemented by wicket-keepers Phil Mustard and Tim Ambrose

“Leading England to World Cup glory was a defining moment,” said Eoin Morgan. “Playing WCL with legends I’ve shared the field with is a different kind of pride.” His words reflect the blend of nostalgia and national pride that defines this event.

With Edgbaston hosting several marquee matches, CEO Stuart Cain described WCL as “a celebration of greatness and a homecoming for our heroes.” WCL founder Harshit Tomar added, “This is where stories are retold and legends relive their prime.” Team owner Praveen Sharma echoed the competitive spirit, stating, “We’re here to win and inspire a new generation.”

See Also: WCL 2025: Australia Champions announced their squad for upcoming season

England Champions Squad – WCL 2025

The England Champions 2025 WCL team consists of: Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Sir Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Liam Plunkett, Chris Tremlett, Ajmal Shahzad, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Meaker, Phil Mustard, Usman Afzaal, and Tim Ambrose

Cricket is set to relive its golden days as the World Championship of Legends (WCL) returns with even greater fervor. Among the highlights of Season 2 is the much-anticipated return of some of England’s most iconic cricketing figures—Eoin Morgan, Sir Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, and Ian Bell—who will don the jersey of the England Champions. These legends, as part of England's cricketing greatness over the years, are about to bring their experience and magic to the shortest format once again.

The England Champions team is supported by the likes of Liam Plunkett, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel, and Chris Tremlett—all of whom, in addition to experience, possess the potent combination of tactical thinking and match-winning ability. Speaking on this exciting return, former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan shared, “Leading England to World Cup glory was a defining moment in my career—but playing in WCL with legends I've shared the field with is a different kind of pride. We're bringing back memories and making new ones. England Champions are here to compete, entertain, and win.”

Adding to the enthusiasm, Praveen Sharma, Owner of England Champions, remarked, "We're proud to field a team that defines English cricket's golden era. These legends shaped an entire generation of cricket, and now, they're back on home soil—where it all began. We're here to win and to inspire." His sentiments echoed the larger purpose of this league: to honor cricketing excellence while entertaining fans across the globe.

Edgbaston to Host England’s Finest Once Again

Stuart Cain, Chief Executive of Edgbaston, emphasized the significance of the moment: “Having legends like Morgan, Cook, Moeen, and Bell back at Edgbaston is special—not just for fans but for the spirit of the game. This is more than nostalgia. It's about celebrating greatness and bringing world-class cricket back to where it belongs. We're thrilled to be part of WCL's journey again.”

See Also: ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 3: Major highlights and key performances

Founder & CEO of the World Championship of Legends, Harshit Tomar, added, “WCL isn't just another T20 league—it’s where stories are retold and legends relive their prime. England Champions brings together names that changed the face of English cricket. With Morgan and Cook leading the charge, this team is among the strongest and most exciting of the tournament.” Sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, the WCL stands as a unique celebration of cricket’s finest stars, rekindling memories and reigniting rivalries.

England Champions Squad for WCL 2025:

Ian Bell, Alastair Cook, Eoin Morgan, and Moeen Ali, alongside Samit Patel, Ajmal Shahzad, Stuart Meaker, Chris Tremlett, and Usman Afzaal. Additionally, the team features Mustard Phillips, Ryan Sidebottom, Ravi Bopara, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Liam Plunkett, and Tim Ambrose.

ENGLAND CHAMPIONS SQUAD FOR WCL.

- World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan and Sir Alastair Cook are part of it. pic.twitter.com/0He0VumAre

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 23, 2025

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have released their 15-player side for the 2025 ExxonMobil Global Super League (GSL), as they prepare to defend their home turf at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. With an intimidating combination of experienced internationals and emerging Caribbean talents, the Warriors are ready to give a performance to remember in front of their home crowd.

Having recorded a strong third-place finish in the first 2024 edition, the Warriors have maintained a sound core with strategic reinforcements. Seasoned players such as leg-spin sorcerer Imran Tahir, English all-rounder Moeen Ali, pace king Romario Shepherd, and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie are back to lead the side's activities across departments.

The GSL 2025 will kick off on 10 July, with the Warriors launching their campaign in a high-octane battle against Rangpur Riders, who won the last edition, in the night match, after the tournament starter between first-timers Central Stags (New Zealand) and Hobart Hurricanes XI (Australia). Having six strong teams like the ILT20's Dubai Capitals, the GSL this year will present world-class T20 cricket.

New Faces and Key Absentees

The Warriors have added depth to their team with some game-changing signings. The explosive openers Johnson Charles and Evin Lewis are new additions along with emerging wicketkeeper-batters Amir Jangoo and Jewel Andrew. Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz also returns, having made an impact in earlier CPL campaigns with his pugilistic shot selection.

See Also: GSL 2025: Rangpur Riders announce their squad for upcoming season

In the bowling ranks, Irish seamer Mark Adair and spin all-rounder Akeal Hossein bring depth and diversity, while Saud Shakeel of Pakistan brings balance to the middle order. But the team would miss Shai Hope, Kevlon Anderson, and Roston Chase—missing out on West Indies Test action—as well as all-rounder Keemo Paul, who is recovering from injury.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors 2025 GSL squad includes:
Imran Tahir, Evin Lewis, Johnson Charles, Moeen Ali, Shimron Hetmyer, Saud Shakeel, Romario Shepherd, Dwain Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hossein, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mark Adair, Jewel Andrew, Shamar Springer, and Amir Jangoo.

Warrior Nation is primed for battle at home! 🇬🇾

The Guyana Amazon Warriors confirm their squad for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League 🌎

READ MORE: https://t.co/bRxdaFMyhc#GSLT20 #GlobalSuperLeague #GuyanaAmazonWarriors pic.twitter.com/MCQrEqDkQg

— Global Super League (@gslt20) June 13, 2025